Writing Services & Workshops

WBD at Alderwasley Hall School March '23

Writing Services & Workshops

I offer a range of writing services including mentoring, editing and writing for wellbeing workshops.

I am experienced in providing group sessions and one to ones, both independently and in conjunction with other businesses. Clients I have previously worked with include Alderwasley Hall School, Deda, Quad Derby, Fleet Arts, Art Core, The Institute of Health and Social Care Management, Derby University, Nottingham Writers Studio and currently I work with Derbyshire Writing School as a guest poetry facilitator.

Sessions vary from day courses to evening workshops both via zoom and in person. I have worked with a diverse group of people including young people, LGBT youth groups, adults and disabled and chronically ill people.

“Charlotte acted as a mentor to help me edit my first poetry collection, and the support she offered was brilliant! Her professional advice has led me to create a collection of poetry of which I’m really proud. Throughout the process, Charlotte was professional and patient, using her expertise to help me draw out meaning and depth in my poems. It was such a confidence boost to feel she saw the potential in my work, and I loved that she wasn’t shy about giving me advice about pieces she thought didn’t fit the collection – the last thing you want in a mentor is someone who just *loves* everything you’ve written. Through her insightful constructive feedback and encouraging me to go deeper in exploring subject matter and form, she’s helped me carve out strong poems, and gave me stylistic pointers of which I will continue to be aware throughout the rest of my writing. Having someone as skilled as Charlotte look over my work and note my unique style quirks – and ways my writing can be improved – has led me to understand my style better. At the end of our course of just six sessions, I feel much more confident, not only with regards to the collection we were working on, but as a writer, poet and performer. Charlotte is an absolute blessing to anyone looking for a poetry mentor or editor.” – A G Parker 

Mentoring

My mentoring is ideal for those looking to work on larger projects who may need more long term support. This could look like someone working on a selection of poems to submit to literary journals, putting together a pamphlet or collection for submission or even just someone who wants to get started with poetry or have a refresher! These are offered as dedicated one to one sessions.

Editing

Within a one to one editing workshop, we will explore 3-5 poems (no more than 40 lines each unless pre-agreed - this will require a higher charge). I will request for these to be sent prior to our session so I can provide thorough feedback and edits to be discussed via zoom. We can arrange the workshop to fit around your schedule, however I will need 1-2 weeks for preparation. During group sessions, you will expect to receive feedback from both myself and workshop attendees on one poem and you will offer feedback on other peoples work. This is a great way to improve your skills as an editor, learn how to critique and meet like minded people.

Writing for Wellbeing

I’m particularly excited to be working with other creative practitioners this year to provide writing for wellbeing workshops and recently worked with the fantastic wellbeing and empowerment coach Stephie Be. We put together a beautiful session which explored reflection, gratitude and connection through exercises and creative responses. I will be co-facilitating more workshops like this which focus on the process of writing, self care and an exploration of emotions as opposed to learning about an aspect of poetry. The perfect way to get your feelings on the page without the pressure of creating the perfect poem.

If you would like to book a workshop or mentoring session, please get in touch using the contact form below.

In 2018, Neal started Tentacles which ran out of Nottingham Playhouse for 6 weeks but got too busy with work and the octopus went into a large sleep.

2023: ITS BACK

What is Tentacles I hear you say, well it’s a place for disabled and chronically ill writers /poets to share work, write work and be inspired.

It will be coming back via a series of 6 zoom sessions, co-facilitated by Neal and Charlotte, with a different theme each week.

When will it start? The course will run on Wednesdays evenings, from the 3rd May until 7th June. Each session will last 90 minutes and run from 7-8:30pm.

There are only 10 spaces on this course, so book early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements and/or questions via email: pikepoetry@gmail.com, charlottelunnpoet@outlook.com

We’re excited to meet you!